U.S. patent application number 12/818968 was filed with the patent office on 2011-07-28 for rechargeable battery.
Invention is credited to Byungkyu Ahn, Sungbae Kim, Chiyoung Lee.
Application Number | 20110183194 12/818968 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42751979 |
Filed Date | 2011-07-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110183194 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Chiyoung ; et
al. |
July 28, 2011 |
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY
Abstract
A rechargeable battery including: an electrode assembly
including a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a
separator between the first electrode plate and the second
electrode plate; a case housing the electrode assembly; a cap plate
sealing the case; and an electrode terminal coupled to the
electrode assembly and passing through the cap plate, wherein an
insulation layer is on at least one of the cap plate or the
electrode terminal.
Inventors: |
Lee; Chiyoung; (Yongin-si,
KR) ; Kim; Sungbae; (Yongin-si, KR) ; Ahn;
Byungkyu; (Yongin-si, KR) |
Family ID: |
42751979 |
Appl. No.: |
12/818968 |
Filed: |
June 18, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
429/179 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 50/10 20210101;
Y02E 60/10 20130101; H01M 50/103 20210101; H01M 50/543 20210101;
H01M 50/54 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
429/179 |
International
Class: |
H01M 2/00 20060101
H01M002/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 26, 2010 |
KR |
10-2010-0007043 |
Claims
1. A rechargeable battery comprising: an electrode assembly
comprising a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a
separator between the first electrode plate and the second
electrode plate; a case housing the electrode assembly; a cap plate
sealing the case; and at least one electrode terminal coupled to
the electrode assembly and passing through the cap plate, wherein
an insulation layer is on at least one of the cap plate or the at
least one electrode terminal.
2. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
insulation layer comprises polypropylene or polyethylene.
3. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
insulation layer is on an interior-facing surface of the cap
plate.
4. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
insulation layer is on an interior-facing surface of the cap plate
proximate to the at least one electrode terminal.
5. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at
least one electrode terminal comprises: a terminal body passing
through the cap plate; a terminal connector coupled to the terminal
body, and facing an interior surface of the cap plate; and a
terminal extension extending generally towards the electrode
assembly from the terminal connector, and welded to the electrode
assembly.
6. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
insulation layer is on an exterior-facing surface of the terminal
connector.
7. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 5, further
comprising a seal gasket between the cap plate and the at least one
electrode terminal, wherein the insulation layer is on an
exterior-facing surface of the terminal connector generally
corresponding to the seal gasket.
8. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 5, further
comprising a lower insulator between the cap plate and the at least
one electrode terminal, wherein the insulation layer is on an
exterior-facing surface of the terminal connector generally
corresponding to the lower insulator.
9. The rechargeable battery as claimed in claim 5, wherein the
insulation layer is on an interior-facing surface of the cap plate
and a top surface of the terminal connector.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2010-0007043, filed on Jan. 26,
2010, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] Aspects of embodiments of the present invention relate to a
rechargeable battery.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Unlike a primary battery that cannot be recharged, a
rechargeable battery is one that can be recharged and discharged.
When provided as low-capacity batteries packaged in packs of
individual battery cells, rechargeable batteries are used in small,
portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones and camcorders.
When provided as large-capacity batteries that have several tens of
connected battery packs, rechargeable batteries are widely used as
power sources for driving motors in hybrid vehicles, etc.
[0006] Rechargeable batteries are manufactured in many different
configurations, among which the cylinder-type and prismatic-type
configurations can be considered representative. To form such a
battery, an electrode assembly, formed with an insulating separator
interposed between a positive and a negative electrode plate, is
housed together with electrolyte in a case, and a cap plate is
installed on the case. Electrode terminals are connected to the
electrode assembly and are externally exposed through the cap
plate.
[0007] Here, certain gaps may be formed between the electrode
terminals and the cap plate, so that instances occur where
electrolyte leaks through the gaps. When electrolyte leaks through
gaps between an electrode terminal and a cap plate, an electrical
short-circuit occurs between the electrode terminal and the cap
plate, rapidly deteriorating the battery and reducing battery
capacity. Also, when such leakage occurs through a gap between a
cap plate and electrode to the outside, the leaked electrolyte
corrodes various structures installed outside the battery.
Moreover, moisture from the outside may enter a case through such a
gap.
SUMMARY
[0008] An aspect of an embodiment of the present invention is
directed toward a rechargeable battery for preventing (or
protecting against) short-circuiting between an electrode terminal
and a cap plate due to electrolyte leakage.
[0009] An embodiment of the present invention provides a
rechargeable battery including: an electrode assembly including a
first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator
between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; a
case housing the electrode assembly; a cap plate sealing the case;
and an electrode terminal coupled to the electrode assembly and
passing through the cap plate, wherein an insulation layer is on at
least one of the cap plate or the electrode terminal.
[0010] The insulation layer may include polypropylene or
polyethylene.
[0011] The insulation layer may be on an interior-facing surface of
the cap plate.
[0012] The insulation layer may be on an interior-facing surface of
the cap plate proximate to the electrode terminal.
[0013] The electrode terminal may include: a terminal body passing
through the cap plate; a terminal connector coupled to the terminal
body, and facing an interior surface of the cap plate; and a
terminal extension extending generally towards the electrode
assembly from the terminal connector, and welded to the electrode
assembly.
[0014] The insulation layer may be on an exterior-facing surface of
the terminal connector.
[0015] The rechargeable battery may further include a seal gasket
between the cap plate and the electrode terminal, wherein the
insulation layer is on an exterior-facing surface of the terminal
connector generally corresponding to the seal gasket.
[0016] The rechargeable battery may further include a lower
insulator between the cap plate and the electrode terminal, wherein
the insulation layer is on an exterior-facing surface of the
terminal connector generally corresponding to the lower
insulator.
[0017] The insulation layer may be on an interior-facing surface of
the cap plate and a top surface of the terminal connector.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The accompanying drawings, together with the specification,
illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and,
together with the description, serve to explain the principles of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a rechargeable
battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG. 1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rechargeable
battery taken along line I-I' in FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 1C illustrates an enlarged view of region A in FIG.
1B.
[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rechargeable
battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rechargeable
battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] In the following detailed description, only certain
exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been shown and
described, simply by way of illustration. As those skilled in the
art would realize, the described embodiments may be modified in
various different ways, all without departing from the spirit or
scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and
description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not
restrictive.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of a rechargeable
battery according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG.
1B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rechargeable battery
taken along line I-I' in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 1C illustrates an
enlarged view of region A in FIG. 1B.
[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, a rechargeable battery 100
according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an
electrode assembly 10, a first electrode terminal 20, a second
electrode terminal 30, a case 40, and a cap assembly 50.
[0027] The electrode assembly 10 is formed of a wound or layered
stack of a first electrode plate 11 formed in a thin plate shape or
a film shape, a separator 13, and a second electrode plate 12.
Here, the first electrode plate 11 may function as an anode, and
the second electrode plate 12 may function as a cathode.
[0028] The first electrode plate 11 is formed by applying a first
electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, on a
first electrode collector formed with a metal foil, such as
aluminum, and includes a first electrode non-coating portion 11a
that is a region on which the first active material is not applied.
The first electrode non-coating portion 11a provides a passage for
current flow between the first electrode plate 11 and the first
electrode terminal 20. In embodiments of the present invention, the
material used for the first electrode plate 11 is not limited
thereto.
[0029] The second electrode plate 12 is formed by applying a second
electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, on a second
electrode collector formed with a metal foil, such as nickel or
copper, and includes a second electrode non-coating portion 12a
that is a region on which the second active material is not
applied. The second electrode non-coating portion 12a provides a
passage for current flow between the second electrode plate 12 and
the second electrode terminal 30. In embodiments, the material used
for the second electrode plate 12 is not limited thereto.
[0030] The first electrode plate 11 and the second electrode plate
12 may be given different (or opposite) polarities and arranged on
opposite sides of the separator 13.
[0031] The separator 13 is disposed between the first electrode
plate 11 and the second electrode plate 12 to prevent (or protect
from) short-circuiting and to enable movement of lithium ions, and
is formed of PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), or a compound
film of PE and PP. In embodiments of the present invention, the
material used for the separator 13 is not limited thereto.
[0032] A first electrode terminal 20 and a second electrode
terminal 30 are coupled to the ends at either side of the electrode
assembly 10 to be electrically coupled to the first electrode
plates 11 and the second electrode plates 12, respectively.
[0033] The electrode assembly 10 is housed in the case 40 together
with electrolyte.
[0034] The electrolyte may be formed of a lithium salt, such as
LiPF6 or LiBF4, in an organic solvent, such as EC, PC, DEC, EMC, or
DMC. Also, the electrolyte may be in a liquid, solid, or gel
phase.
[0035] If the electrolyte infiltrates the region between the first
electrode terminal 20 and the cap assembly 50, or the second
electrode terminal 30 and the cap assembly 50, it may cause an
electrical short to occur between the first electrode terminal 20
and the cap assembly 50, or the second electrode terminal 30 and
the cap assembly 50.
[0036] Because the first electrode terminal 20 is formed of a
conductive material, such as aluminum, and is welded to the first
electrode non-coating portions 11a projecting from ends at one side
of the electrode assembly 10, it is electrically coupled to the
first electrode plates 11. The first electrode terminal 20 includes
a first terminal body 21, a first terminal connector 22, and a
first terminal extension 23.
[0037] The first terminal body 21 is passed through the cap
assembly 50 and fixed to the cap assembly 50. Also, the first
terminal body 21 has screw threads defined in its upper
portion.
[0038] The first terminal connector 22 extends horizontally from
the first terminal body 21 and is disposed at the undersurface
(interior-facing surface) of the cap assembly 50.
[0039] The first terminal extension 23 extends vertically from the
end of the first terminal connector 22 and is pressed against the
first electrode non-coating portions 11a of the electrode assembly
10. That is, the first terminal extension 23 may be welded to the
first terminal non-coating portions 11a.
[0040] Because the second electrode terminal 30 is formed of a
conductive material, such as nickel, and is welded to the second
electrode non-coating portions 12a projecting from an end at the
other side of the electrode assembly 10, it is electrically coupled
to the second electrode plates 12. The second electrode terminal 30
includes a second terminal body 31, a second terminal connector 32,
and a second terminal extension 33.
[0041] Because the second terminal body 31, second terminal
connector 32, and second terminal extension 33 of the second
electrode terminal 30 have the same configurations and perform the
same functions as the first terminal body 21, first terminal
connector 22, and first terminal extension 23 of the first
electrode terminal 20, repetitive description will not be
provided.
[0042] The case 40 is formed of a conductive metal, such as
aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel, and is
configured in an approximately hexahedral shape with an opening for
housing the electrode assembly 10, the first electrode terminal 20,
the second electrode terminal 30, and electrolyte. While the
opening is not shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in which the case 40 and
cap assembly 50 are shown coupled, the edge portion of the cap
assembly 50 is actually an open portion (or has an opening). The
inner surface of the case 40 is insulation-treated to be
electrically insulated from the electrode assembly 10, first
electrode terminal 20, and second electrode terminal 30.
[0043] The cap assembly 50 is coupled to the case 40. The cap
assembly 50 includes a cap plate 51. The cap plate 51 seals the
opening of the case 40, and may be formed of the same material as
the case 40. Also, the cap plate 51 includes a plug 53 that seals
an electrolyte injection hole 52, and a safety vent 54 that is
comparatively thinner.
[0044] Also, the cap assembly 50 includes a first sealing portion
60 and a second sealing portion 70.
[0045] The first sealing portion 60 includes a first seal gasket 61
through which the first terminal body 21 of the first electrode
terminal 20 passes, a first lower insulator 62, a first upper
insulator 63, a first nut 64, and a first insulation layer 65a.
[0046] Moreover, the second sealing portion 70 includes a second
seal gasket 71 through which the second terminal body 31 of the
second electrode terminal 30 passes, a second lower insulator 72, a
second upper insulator 73, a second nut 74, and a second insulation
layer 75a.
[0047] Here, the first sealing portion 60 and the second sealing
portion 70 are configured the same, and therefore, a description
centered around only the configuration of the first sealing portion
60 will be provided below. Further, in the description below,
nomenclature will be shortened so that the first electrode terminal
20 will be electrode terminal 20, the first terminal body 21 will
be terminal body 21, the first terminal connector 22 will be
terminal connector 22, the first terminal extension 23 will be
terminal extension 23, the first seal gasket 61 will be seal gasket
61, the first lower insulator 62 will be lower insulator 62, the
first upper insulator 63 will be upper insulator 63, the first nut
64 will be nut 64, and the first insulation layer 65a will be
insulation layer 65a.
[0048] As illustrated in FIG. 1C, the seal gasket 61 is interposed
between the electrode terminal 20 and the cap plate 51, to prevent
electrical shorts from occurring between the electrode terminal 20
and the cap plate 51. The material of the seal gasket 61 for this
purpose is an insulator.
[0049] The seal gasket 61 includes a body 61a and a flange 61b. The
body 61a encloses the periphery of the terminal body 21 in an
approximately tubular shape, in order to prevent (or protect) the
terminal body 21 from electrically short-circuiting with the cap
plate 51. Also, the flange 61b is bent to extend horizontally and
outward from the body 61a for a length (e.g., a certain length),
and is pressed against the bottom undersurface of the cap plate 51.
That is, the flange 61b is disposed between the undersurface of the
cap plate 51 and the terminal connector 22. The seal gasket 61
prevents (or protects) external moisture from infiltrating the case
40 through the cap plate 51.
[0050] The lower insulator 62, at the exterior of the flange 61b,
is pressed against the undersurface of the cap plate 51. Further, a
portion of the exterior of the lower insulator 62 is pressed
between the terminal connector 22 and the cap plate 51.
[0051] The upper insulator 63 is coupled to the terminal body 21 of
the electrode terminal 20 and pressed against the top surface of
the cap plate 51.
[0052] The nut 64 is fastened along the screw threads formed on the
electrode terminal 20 to fix the electrode terminal 20 to the cap
plate 51. Also, the nut 64 is fastened along the screw threads and
pressed against the upper insulator 63.
[0053] The insulation layer 65a is formed on the undersurface of
the cap plate 51. The insulation layer 65a may also be formed on a
portion of the undersurface of the cap plate 51 corresponding to
the electrode terminal 20. The insulation layer 65a may be formed
of PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), or a suitable equivalent
material that does not react with electrolyte. That is, the
insulation layer 65a may be formed by coating PP or PE on the
undersurface of the cap plate 51.
[0054] Also, the insulation layer 65a is disposed between the cap
plate 51 and the electrode terminal 20, to prevent (or protect
from) an electrical short occurring between the cap plate 51 and
the electrode terminal 20 if electrolyte leaks between the cap
plate 51 and the electrode terminal 20. In further detail, the
insulation layer 65a is formed on the undersurface of the cap plate
51, to prevent electrical shorts from occurring (or protect
electrical shorts from occurring) between the cap plate 51 and
electrode terminal 20 if electrolyte leaks between the seal gasket
61 and the lower insulator 62.
[0055] Thus, by having the insulation layer 65a formed on the
undersurface of the cap plate 51, a rechargeable battery 100
according to an embodiment does not experience short-circuiting
between the cap plate 51 and the electrode terminal 20, even when
electrolyte leaks through a gap between the seal gasket 61 and the
lower insulator 62. Accordingly, a rechargeable battery 100
according to an embodiment can prevent (or protect from) electrical
shorts between the electrode terminal 20 and cap plate 51.
[0056] Further, by having the insulation layer 65a formed on the
undersurface of the cap plate 51, the rechargeable battery
according to an embodiment can prevent (or protect from) corrosion
of the cap plate 51 from electrolyte.
[0057] Next, a description will be provided of a rechargeable
battery according to another embodiment.
[0058] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rechargeable
battery according to an embodiment.
[0059] Compared to the rechargeable battery 100 shown in FIG. 1, a
rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the present
invention is different only in the location in which an insulation
layer 65b is formed, and otherwise has the same form and performs
the same functions. Thus, description that is repetitive of like
elements in a rechargeable battery according to another embodiment
will not be provided, and description will be centered around the
insulation layer 65b.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 2, the insulation layer 65b is formed on
the electrode terminal 20. More particularly, the insulation layer
65b is formed on the top (exterior facing) surface of the terminal
connector 22 of the electrode terminal 20.
[0061] Here, the insulation layer 65b is interposed between a seal
gasket 61 and the terminal connector 22, and is formed on the top
surface of the terminal connector 22 to correspond to the seal
gasket 61. The insulation layer 65b is also interposed between the
lower insulator 62 and the terminal connector 22, and is formed on
the top surface of the terminal connector 22 to correspond to the
lower insulator 62. The insulation layer 65b may be formed of PP,
PE, or a suitable equivalent thereof that does not react with
electrolyte. That is, the insulation layer 65b may be formed by
coating PP or PE on the top surface of the terminal connector
22.
[0062] The insulation layer 65b is disposed between the cap plate
51 and the electrode terminal 20, to prevent (or protect from)
electrical short-circuiting between the cap plate 51 and terminal
electrode 20 if electrolyte leaks through a gap between the cap
plate 51 and the electrode terminal 20. In further detail, the
insulation layer 65b is formed on the top surface of the terminal
connector 22, to prevent an electrical short from occurring (or to
protect from an electrical short occurring) between the cap plate
51 and electrode terminal 20 if electrolyte leaks through a gap
between the seal gasket 61 and the lower insulator 62.
[0063] Thus, because the insulation layer 65b is formed on the top
surface of the terminal connector 22, the rechargeable battery
according to an embodiment of the present invention does not suffer
short-circuiting between the cap plate 51 and electrode terminal
20, even if electrolyte leaks through a gap between the seal gasket
61 and the lower insulator 62. Accordingly, a rechargeable battery
according to an embodiment of the present invention prevents (or
protects from) short-circuiting between the electrode terminal 20
and the cap plate 51.
[0064] Also, because the insulation layer 65b is formed on the top
surface of the terminal connector 22 in the rechargeable battery
according to an embodiment of the present invention, electrolyte
can be prevented (or protected) from corroding the terminal
connector 22.
[0065] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a rechargeable
battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, an insulation layer 65 includes an
upper insulation layer 65a and a lower insulation layer 65b. The
insulation layer 65 may be formed by coating PP or PE that does not
react with electrolyte.
[0067] The upper insulation layer 65a is formed on the undersurface
of the cap plate 51. The upper insulation layer 65a may also be
formed on a portion of the undersurface of the cap plate 51
corresponding to the electrode terminal 20.
[0068] The lower insulation layer 65b is formed on the electrode
terminal 20. In further detail, the lower insulation layer 65b is
formed on the top surface of the terminal connector 22 of the
electrode terminal 20. Here, the lower insulation layer 65b is
interposed between the seal gasket 61 and the terminal connector
22, and formed on the top surface of the terminal connector 22
corresponding to the seal gasket 61. Also, the lower insulation
layer 65b is interposed between the lower insulator 62 and the
terminal connector 22, and formed on the top surface of the
terminal connector 22 corresponding to the lower insulator 62.
[0069] Specifically, the insulation layer 65 is disposed between
the cap plate 51 and the electrode terminal 20, to prevent (or
protect from) electrical short-circuiting between the cap plate 51
and electrode terminal 20 if electrolyte leaks through a gap
between the cap plate 51 and electrode terminal 20.
[0070] Thus, by forming the insulation layer 65 on the undersurface
of the cap plate 51 and the top surface of the terminal connector
22 in a rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the
present invention, a short will not occur (or a short is less
likely to occur) between the cap plate 51 and electrode terminal 20
even when electrolyte leaks through a gap between the seal gasket
61 and lower insulator 62. Accordingly, a rechargeable battery
according to an embodiment is protected from electrical
short-circuits between the electrode terminal 20 and cap plate
51.
[0071] A rechargeable battery according to an embodiment of the
present invention is formed with an insulation layer on at least
one of a cap plate or electrode terminal, so that even if
electrolyte leaks through a gap between a seal gasket and a lower
insulator, the cap plate and the electrode terminal will not
short-circuit. Accordingly, a rechargeable battery according to an
embodiment prevents electrical shorts from occurring (or protects
from electrical shorts occurring) between an electrode terminal and
a cap plate.
[0072] While aspects of the present invention have been described
in connection with certain exemplary embodiments, it is to be
understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed
embodiments, but, on the contrary, is intended to cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the
spirit and scope of the appended claims, and equivalents
thereof.
* * * * *